BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Developer Beta Review

Perhaps the biggest news from yesterday festivities at BlackBerry DevCon 2011, was the announcement of the PlayBook OS 2.0. Version 2.0.0.3778 to be exact offers quite a few improvements, and changes over the current 1.0.7.3312 version. In this quick review were going to touch on some key points that others have found while using OS 2.0 on the PlayBook, and explain some important details you need to know before installing this version.

One of the first things I want to point out is that this is not a final release, its a specific version that is intended for developers. Therefore it is a little buggy, and lacks some important features that everyday users will need. So please before you download this version please keep that in mind. So lets get started with this mini review.

You wont find much in the way of cosmetic changes. The biggest change in that area comes within the home screen. There has also been some improvements with the window treatment, as windows are now larger. A single app icon for Document to go has been added as well so now all you have to do is click on one icon to access all the features.

OS 2.0 beta also adds some customization features as well. In addition you now have the ability to use the home screen dock, here you can quickly drag and drop your favorite apps to the dock for easy access. You can also move apps seamlessly to other panes, so users have the ability to better customize their app locations. Another great feature is the ability to make folders. This can be done by simply holding an icon down and dragging it over another icon, this will then create a folder and then prompt you to name it.

Another feature about OS 2.0 is its ability to separate work from play. When the PlayBook is connected to an enterprise network it will create a separate work area that will allow you to install and use work related applications.

Most of the changes in this release are under the hood. So there are a couple of key things about this release, that if you are a developer you should know. They are as follows:

Android Runtime is now preloaded

side loading Android apps now fully compatible

Support for AIR 3.0

WebWorks HTML5

This release is a developers dream come true. As mentioned before there are quite a few things that do not work. So if you a regular consumer looking to up date take heed. BlackBerry Bridge does not work in the release so that mean no BBM, mail, calendar or anything like that from your BlackBerry. The release is a bit buggy as well, butt that is to be expected from a beta release.

I think that about sums it up. If your interested in downloading it you may do that here. If you have downloaded it let us know your thoughts.